Episode 411: The Person Who Came to Greet Us

Israel, International Dungeon Research Organization (IDR) —

Ethan secluded himself in his laboratory, spending his time idly without doing anything in particular.
Someone knocked on his door.

“Yes, come in.”
“Excuse me.”

It was his assistant, Clark, who entered. He scrutinized Ethan, who was sitting shallowly in his chair, legs crossed, sipping his tea.

“I believe there are many things to be done, but what is with that lazy attitude?”

Ethan placed his teacup on the saucer, shook his head slightly, and leaned back in his chair.

“There’s hardly anything we can do. Let’s relax for once, Clark.”
“What are you saying so nonchalantly! The four angels are still perched above Orpheus. We don’t know when they might attack.”

Ethan waved his right hand dismissively at Clark, who was visibly straining.

“There’s no use in shouting like that. We can’t do anything about the angels, and we can only watch the situation. Besides, there’s no sign of a large number of regular angels appearing. For the time being, we have no choice but to wait and see.”
“That’s true, but…”

Clark, unconvinced, looked down with a dark expression, but Ethan smiled brightly, clasping his fingers together.

“It’s alright, Clark. All we have to do is wait.”
“Wait? What are we waiting for?”

The corners of Ethan’s mouth turned up even further.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? Our hero who defeated the five 【Kings】.”

◇◇◇

A full day after the conversation between Clark and Ethan — Israel’s aviation authorities were in an uproar over an unprecedented situation. An aircraft appeared on the radar, and it was visually confirmed to be an airplane.
The information was immediately reported to the Israeli government.

“What, an aircraft from another country? Is that true?”

Israeli Prime Minister Rabin, unable to believe the report, raised his voice. No one travels by airplane anymore.
In an environment where Monsters dominate the sky, it would be nothing short of suicide.
Still, if they visually confirmed it, there was no mistake. Rabin was frustrated, wondering who the idiot was, but he had no choice but to take action.

“Issue instructions to the military to somehow get it to land. And also, send the information to the IDR.”
“Yes, sir.”

While watching the staff member leave the room, Rabin recalled the words Ethan Noble had said a few days ago.

◇◇◇

At the headquarters of the International Dungeon Research Organization (IDR) —
The sound of hurried footsteps could be heard. Clark was running at full speed down the long corridor. Out of breath, he turned right and burst through the door on his left.
Ethan, deeply seated in his office chair, was about to put an ice cream in his mouth.

“It’s an emergency! Ethan!”
“What’s with the sudden outburst? You startled me.”

Ethan put the ice cream on the spoon into his mouth and moved his tongue with satisfaction.

“This is no time to be leisurely! They’ve really come.”
“Come? What has?”
“Seekers from Japan have arrived! One of them is said to be named Yuma Mitaka.”
“Ah, I see.”

Ethan placed the ice cream and spoon on the table, chuckled, and took out a handkerchief from his pocket.
After wiping his mouth, he slowly stood up.

“Then, let’s go meet them. The heroes who will save the world.”

◇◇◇

At Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
The Learjet 35, guided by the Israeli aviation authorities, was stopped on the runway.
Although they were allowed to land, they were ordered to wait there, and Yuma and the others were unable to move.

“How long do we have to wait? I’m getting tired of this.”

Akito muttered in frustration. Rui tried to restrain him, saying, “It can’t be helped. We came here on our own,” but his anger didn’t seem to subside. Yuma happened to look out the window and saw several figures.
Someone was walking along the runway.

“It looks like people from Israel have come.”

When Yuma informed them, Akito couldn’t hide his anger, saying, “Finally.” I hope they don’t cause any trouble, he thought, as he stood up and took out his luggage from the overhead compartment.
Everyone prepared to disembark, waiting for the hatch to open.
They had also put on their earphone-type translators, so they were fully prepared. The pilot said, “Opening,” and five seconds later, the hatch opened.
The outside air hit their faces, and the setting sun illuminated their feet. There were six people outside. Four of them were wearing black suits and sunglasses.
From their appearance, it was clear that they were security personnel.
And there were two people wearing white coats. They looked like researchers. The person in front, wearing glasses, looked at them and smiled.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Yuma Mitaka. Can you understand my words?”
“Yes, I have a translator in my ear.”

Yuma showed the white-coated man the translator he had in his ear. The man nodded with a smile and placed his right hand on his chest.

“My name is Ethan Noble. This is my assistant, Clark. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

He introduced himself with a beaming smile, but Yuma didn’t know who he was and could only reply, “Ah.” Rui and Akito, who were behind Yuma, stiffened their faces.

“Yuma! This person is a very famous scholar!”
“Eh? Is that so?”
“Why don’t you know! How can you be a Seeker without knowing that? I respect you for it!”

Scolded by the two, Yuma was perplexed, saying, “Ehh~.”

“On behalf of Israel and the IDR, I welcome you. Now, please come this way.”

Yuma and the others got off the aircraft and got into the car they had prepared.